How To Start Beekeeping (A Complete Guide)
Follow our steps on how to start beekeeping and avoid many of the issues that discourage beginning beekeepers.
Follow our steps on how to start beekeeping and avoid many of the issues that discourage beginning beekeepers.
Yes. Beekeeping (technically called “apiculture”) is considered a form of agriculture based on standard definitions and everyday usage. Beekeeping is also treated as agriculture (or farming) by the Federal and State governments via regulation and tax codes.
Beekeepers at all levels of experience make mistakes. As a newbie though you’ll probably be more prone to some of them. Here’s a list to help you avoid some of them (including our own foul-ups).
Harsh winter weather stresses your bees. Keeping your local climate in mind, take these steps to winterize beehives and help your colonies survive until spring.
A nectar dearth can occur any time that plants slow down production of their sugary, sweet liquid needed for making honey. Learn to recognize and deal with it.
To inspect a beehive, open it and carefully remove frames for visual examination. Inspections are best done midday in favorable weather conditions. Try to minimize the disruption to the bees’ activity. Among other things, inspections help assess the colony’s health and identify issues requiring remediation.
As with any new hobby, understanding some basic beekeeping terms can accelerate your learning process. Here are 12 you should know.
Begin your beekeeping education with various sources: beekeeping books, courses (in-person or online), beekeeping associations, beekeeping blogs and forums, and YouTube videos. Books and courses are the best places to start as they present information in an organized, orderly fashion.
It’s spring and your new bees are ordered. Now you need to know how to install bees in a new hive. Here’s what to do with a nuc or bee package.
Essential beginning beekeeping supplies include reference books, a hive, protective clothing, a bee smoker, hive tools, and bee feeding supplies. And, of course, bees. Beekeeping supplies that are optional or not immediately needed include a bee brush, mite treatments, and honey extraction equipment.